Online Language Tests

Language Levels according to CEFR

The Q-LEVEL online language tests have been designed to meet the 6 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) A1-C2. This implies that all levels of language proficiency are being tested, from beginner to advanced.

The CEFR was developed in 2001 by the Council of Europe for the learning, teaching and assessment of foreign languages. It has since then allowed comparing language competences across countries.

The CEFR offers a large number of empirically based, skill-specific language competence descriptors. Based on these criteria, individual test results can be assessed. For the development of the Q-LEVEL tests, the following scales were used in addition to the global scale below: Scales for vocabulary spectrum, grammatical correctness, reading comprehension in general and listening comprehension in general.

A1 Elementary use of language
  • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
  • Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Elementary use of language
  • Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  • Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 Independent use of language
  • Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • Can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest.
  • Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Independent use of language
  • Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
  • Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Competent use of language
  • Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

 

C2 Competent use of language
  • Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
  • Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
  • Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.